[Video transcript]

The Israeli army has released images which it says shows its ground offensive in southern Lebanon is already getting results. 

It claims troops have reached Hezbollah sites — including a network of tunnels containing extensive weaponry. 

Israel says it needs to hit the militant group hard in order to make it safe for more than 60,000 people to return to Israeli towns. 

Towns like this one which are on the border with Lebanon.

They've been virtually empty since Hezbollah's attacks on Israel started last year. 

The Iranian-backed militia began its offensive in support of another militant group, Hamas, which carried out the October-7th terror attack. 

But the history of violence between Hezbollah and Israel goes back decades.

After Israel's last war with the militant group in 2006, a UN resolution was passed. 

It called for the establishment of a demilitarized zone that runs approximately 30 kilometres between the Israel-Lebanon border and the Litani river. 

UN peacekeepers have been deployed there for years to try to create a buffer zone between the two sides.

Last week, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reminded the UN General Assembly that the buffer has frequently been violated.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister: "For 18 years Hezbollah brazenly refused to implement UN Sec Council resolution 1701 which requires it to move its forces away from our borders."

Hezbollah has been increasing its weapons capabilities in southern Lebanon for many years. 

It's also built up its military infrastructure, including an extensive tunnel network, as seen in this video released by Hezbollah. 

Israel's army says its offensive against the militant group will be limited.

Daniel Hagari, Israel army spokesperson: "These localised ground raids will target Hezbollah strongholds that threaten Israeli towns, kibbutzim and communities along our border. Hezbollah turned Lebanese villages next to Israeli villages into military bases, all ready for an attack on Israel."

But now that Israeli ground forces are in southern Lebanon, there is no knowing when they will leave.